Production of CCS1477 in capsule form is now complete, ahead of forthcoming first-in-human clinical trials to investigate the novel drug’s tolerability and efficacy in treating late stage prostate cancer (CRPC). The active component is a p300/CBP bromodomain inhibitor that has a profound effect on the drivers of CPRC. It addresses the resistance seen in tumours treated with current second generation anti-hormonal drugs. Formulation and GMP manufacture of the capsules was carried out by Quay Pharma.

CellCentric has developed a novel drug for the treatment of prostate (CRPC) and other cancers. CCS1477 inhibits the twin histone acetyl transferase proteins p300 and CBP, and thus lowers levels of androgen receptor (AR), AR-splice variants and c-Myc. These are key drivers of late stage hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, and have responsibility for the tumour resistance seen to second generation anti-hormonal drugs (abiraterone, enzalutamide, apalutamide). As the use of these drugs increases, there is a large and growing population of prostate cancer patients that need a new agent to combat inherent or acquired resistance.

CCS1477 is highly selective for the bromodomains of p300/CBP. It is clearly differentiated from other compounds that target similar domains on different target proteins (e.g. BET inhibitors). It is orally bioavailable and is planned to be taken once a day in capsule form.

Beyond prostate cancer, the inhibition of p300/CBP also has relevance to specific haematological, bladder and lung cancers. Further CCS1477 pre-clinical data on these tumour types will be presented at the annual AACR conference in Chicago in April.

CCS1477 is produced via a short synthetic sequence. CellCentric’s first clinical batch of formulated, encapsulated drug was prepared by specialist formulation development and clinical manufacturer Quay Pharma. Established in 2002, the company has a strong track record of taking innovative medicines through development and clinical manufacturing, for all phases of clinical trials, in their accredited GMP facilities.

Maireadh Pedersen CEO of Quay Pharma commented ‘We were delighted to work with CellCentric on their first-in-class new drug. We were pleased to work so closely and effectively together, bringing this exciting new treatment option forward for patients’.

About CellCentric

CellCentric is a biotechnology company focused on a first-in-class p300/CBP bromodomain inhibitor drug, drawing on its foundation in epigenetics. The company was co-founded with Prof Azim Surani FRS CBE of University of Cambridge, and one of the earliest pioneers in the space.

Inhibiting p300/CBP has relevance to multiple cancer types, but notably late stage, castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). It addresses the large and growing population of patients that have tumours that are resistant to second generation anti-hormonal drugs such as abiraterone, enzalutamide and apalutamide.

CellCentric has investigated over 50 potential epigenetic-related drug targets, before focusing on the twin histone acetyl transferases p300/CBP. An earlier programme based on an arginine methyltransferase target, was licenced to Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

CellCentric is a privately held business, with Morningside Venture Investments as its lead investor.